SOPACNOW spring 2015
A publication of South Orange Performing Arts Center
Broadway’s Brian Stokes Mitchell Headlines SOPAC 2015 Gala Johanna Wright, Fred Profeta and Paul Profeta Honored In a grand evening of celebration capping the success of the 2014-15 season, the annual SOPAC gala, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, will feature a performance by one of Broadway’s most acclaimed leading men, Brian Stokes Mitchell. Arts in Education will be highlighted as SOPAC Governor Johanna Wright, along with brothers Fred Profeta and Paul Profeta are honored for their dedication
to making arts opportunities available for young people in the South Orange/Maplewood school district. At 5:30 p.m. the celebration begins with cocktails and a silent auction that will take place in the Loft and throughout the building. Cocktails, elaborate passed hors d’oeuvres and ample opportunity to meet-andgreet friends will be enjoyed by guests as they peruse the silent
auction items and place bids on the most enticing packages. At 8:00 p.m. Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, who has long enjoyed status as one of Broadway’s superstars in addition to his featured roles on television in Trapper John, MD, Frasier, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and more will fill the theatre with his powerful baritone in an unforgettable evening of song. Immediately following the performance, awards will be
presented to honorees Johanna Wright, Fred Profeta and Paul Profeta. The festivities continue with dessert and dancing in the Loft until midnight. Valet parking will be available and festive attire is encouraged. Contact Vivian C.R. James, Director of Development (Vivian@SOPACnow.org) for more information and to reserve your place at the 2015 SOPAC Gala.
One SOPAC Way, South Orange NJ 07079 | www.SOPACnow.org
From the Executive Director Dear Friends: As I begin my third year as Executive Director of the South Orange Performing Arts Center, I am filled with enthusiasm and joy because of the accomplishments of our Center in the last two years, and because of the great opportunities that lie ahead. I have delighted in standing in the lobby of our theatre at the end of performances, and having throngs of elated patrons come up to me with smiles on their faces, and very complimentary remarks about the new SOPAC. I am thrilled by the ever growing number of children we are serving in myriad ways. And I am so proud of the SOPAC staff, who are deeply committed to our mission of providing superb programming, while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in our service to audiences, artists and volunteers. We are on the cusp of completing a year-long process to create a bold new strategic plan for SOPAC. At its heart is the commitment to make SOPAC a cultural icon in South Orange and in the region — as a boutique presenting house that hosts an array of outstanding artists, as an economic driver for South Orange, and as a cultural resource for the community that engages its citizenry through artistic enrichment, education, and participation. Thank you very much for your support of our organization. We deeply value and appreciate your commitment to the Center, and for making it your home for the arts in Essex County.
New Website to Launch This Spring As Spring makes its appearance this year, SOPAC’s brand-new website will be launched. The new site is designed to be more user-friendly for patrons, and to allow the marketing department more flexibility in the way events are promoted. A fresh and modern design seems to reflect the new programming of the past two years that audiences are raving about! SOPAC thanks Pilla Creative Marketing for the style displayed on the site, and for support through the process that took several months. We hope you agree that the new www.SOPACnow.org is worth waiting for!
SOPAC Lauded as “Favorite Small Performing Arts Center”
Sincerely,
Jerseyarts.com
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS WINNER South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) Mark E. Packer Executive Director 2
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Favorite Small Performing Arts Center
The South Orange Performing Arts Center was voted “Favorite Small Performing Arts Center” in the 2015 Discover Jersey Arts People’s Choice Awards. Now in its seventh year, the state-wide awards reflect the diversity of places throughout New Jersey where people can enjoy the arts. Arts organizations were nominated by their peers throughout the state in the Fall, and then the get-outthe-vote campaign began in earnest in January. Nominees encouraged their audiences and supporters to log on to JerseyArts. com through a six-week period and the winners were announced in early March. We thank all those who love, support and voted for SOPAC. Small or large, gallery, festival or arts classes — New Jersey arts enrich and inspire us all! www.SOPACnow.org
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From the Board Chair SOPAC’s receipt of the 2015 Jersey Arts People’s Choice Award as New Jersey’s “Favorite Small Performing Arts Center” was very gratifying. The honor is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff. It is also resounding evidence that the Board’s decision in August, 2012, to change our executive model was the right one. Engaging Executive Director Mark Packer and Programming Consultant Steve Lurie helped to move SOPAC forward in three key areas. First, Mark’s credibility helped persuade the South Orange Trustees to effect a transaction that eliminated SOPAC’s debt to the Village. This single event opened doors to key institutional funders. Second, Steve Lurie’s programming skills significantly expanded the diversity of the shows we present. More and more people tell us “finally SOPAC has something that I want to see.” Third, Mark and the great staff expanded the ways SOPAC contributes to the art scene in the community: organizing the Concerts in the Park Program, hosting Giants of Jazz, partnering with Seton Hall University, Midtown Direct Rep, Lydia Johnson Dance, and initiating “Playin’ Around South Orange.” Looking forward, the Board and staff are in the final stages of developing a strategic plan to take SOPAC through the next three to five years. The plan’s key goals commit Board and staff (1) to build on the excellence of what we do at SOPAC; (2) to strengthen partnerships that will allow SOPAC to add even greater value to the local community and beyond, particularly through arts education; and (3) to make SOPAC financially sustainable. While I will be stepping down as Board Chair in June, I will continue to support Executive Director Mark Packer and our new officers as we advance our strategic plan. Sincerely,
Tony Leitner Board Chair
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Spotlight on the Staff
Mei Zheng is Amazing! When Head House Manager Mei Zheng is not working at SOPAC, she is the Project & Event Coordinator for the Children’s Literacy Initiative in Newark, NJ. She speaks three languages (English, Cantonese and Mandarin). As a former AmeriCorps volunteer, service continues to be a big part of Mei’s life. With her smiling face and welcoming demeanor, Mei embodies the spirit that SOPAC strives to achieve. What do you enjoy most about working at SOPAC? I must say it is the interaction with everyone at SOPAC. Currently, I work in a remote office by myself most of the time, so I constantly want to talk to people or even just to see people. So, being at SOPAC satisfies my need of interacting with all different types of people. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened at a performance? I would have to say it was one day in between shows a performer came up to me and asked me if there are any good places to eat in town. I told him there were a lot of different options and then he said “I have a dietary restriction, are there any fast food places in town.” I guess this isn’t the strangest, but the
funniest because ever since then I keep telling people I also have dietary restrictions and can only eat fried food. What do you do for your day job? I am a Project/Event Coordinator during the day. I organize trainings for teachers in inner city areas from K-3rd grade. I know you are a volunteer with seniors and with Hurricane Sandy recovery — can you talk a bit about the organizations you volunteer for and why you volunteer? When I was growing up my family was fortunate enough to have received help from strangers and relatives. Without the help of these people I don’t believe I would be where I am today. I knew I wanted to give back to others. I truly believe helping one person at a time can make a big difference. I volunteer regularly with Jersey Cares, St. John’s Soup Kitchen, New York Cares, and Catholic Charities in NY. Jersey Cares and New York Cares are two great non-profits that make volunteering easy for
people living in New Jersey and New York. Your commitment to them is what you sign up for and you can easily search their website to find a variety of projects that match your interests. They also work with numerous other nonprofits such as St. John’s Soup KItchen and Catholic Charities to help find volunteers for them. What do the performing arts mean to you? When I was younger, performing arts meant a way for me to express myself. As I got older, performing arts meant a creative way for an individual or group to showcase their talent to an audience. I admire the talents of others! What’s another little-known fact about you? I like to travel, but when I travel I pack so much into one day it is more tiring than work. My goal is to visit all 50 states and seven continents, but I am totally okay with just buying a postcard from the place and counting it as a visit. To date, I have 20 states and four continents down, but don’t be surprised if I just pack my stuff and go on a long road trip. Spring 2015
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2014-15 Season Takes A Bow The 2014-15 season has been one of unprecedented success, with artists from several continents lighting up the stage at SOPAC. Folk legend Arlo Guthrie, Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Jorma Kaukonen, South African freedom fighters Hugh Masekela & Vusi Mahlasela, Portuguese Fado superstar Ana Moura, Ireland’s The Priests and Canadian Bruce Cockburn were all part of the diverse and talented lineup. As of March 1st, nine SOPAC-presented shows were sold out, with overall attendance averaging more than 70%. We are thrilled that SOPAC’s May schedule includes remarkable artists such as Judy Collins, Rufus Wainwright, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Josh Ritter. We like to finish in a big way! SOPAC’s In the Loft series continues to be a popular and affordable way for audiences to experience world-class jazz and blues music in an intimate setting, as well as get a “first look” at plays in development with the theatre professionals of Midtown Direct Rep. Upcoming Kids ‘N Family offerings include two favorites based on classic children’s literature — Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book. The Seton Hall University Arts Council has a number of concert and theatre presentations at SOPAC in April and May, several of which are free to the public. With something for everyone, we hope to see you often this spring! 4
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Hugh Masekela
vusi mahlasela
bruce cockburn
Marilyn Mccoo jorma kaukonen
john hiatt
judy collins
www.SOPACnow.org
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Behind the Scenes at SOPAC rufus wainwright
arlo guthrie
ana moura
Perhaps you’ve noticed something different about SOPAC in the last two years? Have you enjoyed world-class artists that rock the house? An expanded schedule that dares you to keep up with all the great acts you want to see? Executive Director Mark Packer and Music Without Borders’ Steve Lurie might be considered the “dynamic duo” of SOPAC, minus the capes. They work closely together to shape the artistic season and can often be found by their co-workers and families huddled over cell phones negotiating the offer that just might be the next “sold-out” performance at SOPAC. We know that many of you have met Mark, but we thought you would like to know a little more about Steve — the behind-the-scenes music man.
and throughout the US. In addition to SOPAC, Music Without Borders also programs many venues in the New York City area, upstate New York, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. Steve is also Director of Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival (The Clearwater Festival) founded by Pete Seeger, an annual event that takes place in June. “I really enjoy working at SOPAC and booking shows in its intimate theater. The sound is terrific and every seat has great sight-lines,” said Steve. “I also have a lot of family in the area so Northern
New Jersey is like a second home to me.” Steve works from his office in Stamford, CT, his car and hotel rooms around the country as he travels frequently to music venues in what can only be considered high-speed telecommuting and networking. “It is a joy to work with Steve because of his vast experience and superb reputation in the music industry,” stated Mark. “We are very much in sync about our vision for the presenting series at SOPAC and both very pleased with the community’s response to our programming.”
steve lurie
An accomplished musician, and now talent consultant extraordinaire, Steve Lurie has been SOPAC’s Programming Director since 2013. Hailed by The New York Times as “an impresario,” Steve is founder and president of Music Without Borders, LLC, and has produced over 5,000 concerts in NYC
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PNC Bank’s Playin’ Around South Orange Decorated pianos bring music to the streets
The second annual Playin’ Around South Orange, a public art project designed to engage Design by Maeva Fouché the community through the whimsy of finding strategically placed pianos decorated by local artists, was a hit by any measure. By exposing people to both the visual and performing arts in a new and innovative way, Playin’ Around South Orange captivates and entertains. Several pianos, adorned by local artists, created a forum for spontaneous performances that give way to song, laughter and new friends. Playin’ Around South Orange creates momentary breaks in the routine of our day; new thoughts and ideas, creativity and engagement resonate across fields, parking lots and sidewalks. You just might find yourself humming along!
Artist Bill Billec with Village President Alex Torpey and Adam Loehner
Design by Lawrence Ciarallo
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Family, Friends and Fun at South Orange Summer Nights New expanded programming features more food trucks Mark your calendar now for these great community events. Bring chairs and blankets, and rally your family and friends to relax, dance, eat, and enjoy great music.
The beloved summer program Concerts in the Park has a new name. South Orange Summer Nights is co-presented by the Village of South Orange, the Baird and the South Orange Performing Arts Center and offers free outdoor performances and movies that thousands of concert-goers enjoy each year. Every Wednesday night in July at 7:30 p.m. on Flood’s Hill (Meadowland Park), “Taste the Music” presents an exciting line-up of some of today’s top performers in soul, reggae, pop, rock-n-roll, and more. An expanded number of vendors will provide food and beverages, including lobster rolls and barbecue ribs, wood-fired pizza, pretzels, hot dogs, deep-fried Oreos and funnel cake! Wednesdays in August features “Moonlit Movies,” featuring a variety of movies that the entire family can enjoy together. Check the SOPAC website in the summer for the full schedule.
Bring on the summer fun!
July 1 Mark Murphy and Friends
July 8 Max Headroom & The Counterfeiters ’80s Tribute and Covers
SOPACNOW
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July 15 Dub Proof & Eastbourne Reggae
July 22 Rave On & Bottle Cap Rockets
July 29 Rock the Hill Garage Bands
Rock & Roll and Rockabilly
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“ My students loved the performance and are still talking about it.” —Teacher, Verona School District
School Performances at SOPAC
“It was also a fun way to look at science. Students were ready to go home and try the experiments. Thanks for all your help.” —Teacher, Orange School District
Thousands Benefit From Educational Fun Whether it’s a popular children’s story, a Shakespearean classic, or an exciting math or science program, the School Performance Series at SOPAC is a key that unlocks creativity and imagination in children PreK-12th grade. Attending live performances can help students develop a lifelong enthusiasm for the arts.
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The 2014-2015 season has been extremely successful to date. As of March 1, 2015, SOPAC hosted 3,500 students from more than 50 schools, at 10 different shows. We are looking forward to our last two performances in the spring, both with multiple sold out shows; Doktor Kaboom! on April 1st and The Jungle Book on May 5th and 6th. We know that the creative arts are inextricably linked to success in other curriculum areas and can be used as a strategy for learning. Environments that stimulate creativity through visual art, music, dramatic play, and creative movement and dance support all aspects of development and learning. SOPAC has worked diligently to bring our young school patrons excellent performances with content that complements classroom lesson plans, and reaches far beyond the performing arts. The School Performance Series at SOPAC emphasizes subjects like math, science, social studies and language arts, and brings them to life. We carefully selected programs that coincide with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The performances provide opportunities for children to broaden and strengthen their knowledge through live, firsthand experiences that integrate multiple content areas. Teachers have told us what a positive experience it’s been for everyone!
“ Thank you for having a math show for elementary students …Later in the year the students who went will be performing math magic tricks for the other students. This was a wonderful opportunity…Students had fun while learning.” —Teacher, Elizabeth School District
SOPAC Receives New $10,000 Arts Education Grant The South Orange-based funder Orange Orphan Society recently awarded SOPAC with a grant for $10,000 to provide ticket subsidies for School Performances. SOPAC currently provides opportunities for students to experience the performing arts for more than 6,000 children onsite, but many students never make it here because of the cost. This grant will subsidize tickets and provide school bus transportation for nearly 200 students. In response to this good news, Director of Community Engagement Linda Beard said, “We are grateful for support from the Orange Orphan Society which allows us to increase our capacity and continue to provide high caliber arts education experiences for the children of the Oranges and the surrounding districts.” Arts Education is one of the key areas of growth in our new strategic plan. If you are interested in supporting our efforts through underwriting a program for local students please contact our Development Department at (973) 382-1033.
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www.SOPACnow.org
SOPACNOW
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Generously Supports Sopac’s First Dance Series A generous grant from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation spearheaded the support needed to present SOPAC’s first-ever dance series during the 2014-15 Season. The Dodge grant funded the presentation of three pre-eminent New Jersey dance companies, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Lydia Johnson Dance, and Lustig Dance Theatre. Collaborative partnerships with Dance New Jersey, New Jersey Theatre Alliance, Seton Hall University, Montclair State University, and Columbia High School helped SOPAC to reach new audiences making each presentation, and the series, a success. In November the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company performed The Legacy Project: A Dance of Hope. Consummate storyteller Carolyn Dorfman is a child of Holocaust survivors with a body of work that honors her Jewish legacy — its trials, its triumphs, and its universal connections. The
performance was presented in partnership with The Sister Rose Thering Fund at Seton Hall University, which fosters understanding through education and inter-religious cooperation. Graham Lustig’s A Jazzy Nutcracker, performed by the Graham Lustig’s A Jazzy Nutcracker Carolyn Dorfman Dance fabulous Lustig Dance Theatre Lydia Johnson has been praised for her Company, was second in the series distinctive choreography of ballet with performances in December 2014. components woven into contemporary Members of the Columbia High School dance. In February the company performed marching band added their own magic to recent works set to stunning music by Franz the adaptation of a timeless classic by becoming part of the cast while playing their Schubert, Osvaldo Golijov, Mozart, and the innovative jazz trio, The Bad Plus. instruments amidst the company dancers.
SOPAC is already looking ahead to next season. We will continue to build upon the success of this season’s dance series — by strengthening current partnerships, developing new collaborative partners and establishing new audiences for dance.
Lydia Johnson Dance
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Members Have More Fun Membership provides great benefits and privileges — early access to the best seats in the house, exclusive discounts and special member-only parties — to name a few. But wait, that’s not all! Most importantly, Members’ fees help bridge the gap between ticket sales and operational costs. Annual memberships help SOPAC keep the arts alive in our community through a wide range of performances and programs that enhance the quality of life, promote arts education, and support the local economy. Call the Community Engagement Department at (973) 382-1035 or visit www.sopacnow.org/support.
Volunteer Tom Cogan Brings a Smile Tom Cogan’s email signature includes a musical note and a smiley face, perfectly capturing Tom’s personality — always cheerful and ready to help, with a passion for music. Tom is one of the vibrant personalities who make up our volunteer corps at SOPAC. Tom made the decision to volunteer at SOPAC three years ago after seeing Richie Furay, a former member of his favorite band Poco, perform here. In the 1970s Tom saw Poco perform more than 50 times! After sharing his enthusiasm about the performance and the incredible venue with a staff member after the performance, he was encouraged to become a volunteer and signed up on the spot. He has been a loyal and dedicated member of SOPAC’s volunteer team ever since, pitching in with everything from manning tables at community events to ticket-taking and ushering, and even filling in as a bartender in a pinch. In his time with SOPAC, two shows really stand out for Tom, The Mavericks, and ‘Solid Gold Christmas’ featuring Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. Tom said the McCoo and Davis performance, “Truly felt like a Las Vegas or Broadway-caliber performance, it was a special evening.” And anyone who was at The Mavericks knows that the show rocked, plain and simple. The volunteers like to chant, “Bring back The Mavericks!” Tom Cogan is not only a great volunteer with a smile always on his face, but his musical knowledge and enthusiasm make him a wonderful ambassador for SOPAC in the community. He also says he is the world’s best air guitarist, a claim that you can verify the next time you see him at a show. Just ask him to show you his best Poco riff!
think you might like to volunteer at SOPAC? 4 Ushering 4 Office Work 4 Street Team 4…and more!
You’ll make new friends, and have opportunities to enjoy great performances. 10
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For more information e-mail Volunteer Coordinator AnnMarie at Annmarie@sopacnow.org. www.SOPACnow.org
SOPACNOW
The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery
Exhibit On View Through May 15 Giants Of Jazz 17 Portraits By Micha Hamilton work. This collection of black-and-white and color photographs was captured in a single night backstage at SOPAC during Giants of Jazz 17.
The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC was the creation of former SOPAC Board Member Milly Iris. The late Milly Iris was an art teacher as well as the owner and director of South Orange’s Whichcraft Gallery. Milly and her husband Herb were avid collectors, devoted arts advocates, and longtime supporters of SOPAC. A recent bequest of $50,000 from the Iris family will fund the position of gallery curator for the next five years and help carry on their legacy.
Giants Of Jazz has become an annual music event, a one-night festival that has established South Orange as a New Jersey
hub for world-class jazz. Founded in 1997 by John Lee, Giants Of Jazz honors exceptional musicians and keeps jazz visible and prominent in a region that is home to many world-class jazz artists who you can now see up close on the walls of the gallery.
On Saturday, February 21, just in time for a sold-out performance showcasing the John Pizzarelli Quartet, a new series of portrait work by New Jersey-based artist and curator Micha Hamilton was unveiled in The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery. The desire to document the luminous personalities of the annual Giants Of Jazz music phenomenon served as the driving force behind Micha Hamilton’s newest body of
In Memoriam
Claudio Roditi
McCoy Tyner
Steve Turre
We mourn the loss of two members of the SOPAC Board of Governors this year, both of whom were instrumental in advancing SOPAC in the community, and who were passionate advocates of the arts. Our deepest sympathies are with their families and friends.
Milly Iris
William Walter Lasher III
Milly Iris, a founding member of the Board of Governors of South Orange Performing Arts Center and benefactor of the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC, passed away Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 in Haddonfield, NJ. She was a longtime resident of South Orange and was well known throughout the community as an avid arts lover and philanthropist who brought a special joy to all that she touched. Mrs. Iris owned her own gallery, “Whichcraft studio for the selective i,” and loved to collect art. She also owned galleries in Millburn and Long Beach Island.
SOPAC Governor William Walter Lasher III passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2015.
“Milly was instrumental in ensuring that SOPAC became a venue for the visual as well as the performing arts,” said SOPAC board chair Tony Leitner. “We celebrate the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery and the gifted artists whose works we have been able to display.” Ms. Iris is survived by two daughters, Roree Iris-Williams and Kerry Iris; sons-in-law Peter Iris-Williams and Eric Kassoff; and five grandchildren.
In his spare time Bill enjoyed art, theatre, music, golf and trivia. He lived generously by giving away and sharing the things that he loved. Bill was known for being a true gentleman, a man of honor and a thoughtful and caring friend.
SOPACNOW
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“Bill was truly a kind, gentle, and wonderful person. He will be greatly missed,” noted Executive Director Mark Packer. William Walter Lasher III joined the SOPAC Board in December 2013 and was a member of the Finance, Nominating and Board Resources Committees. Bill was an attorney, admitted to practice in the states of New Jersey, New York and Delaware. His work was largely in the area of corporate law for leading financial institutions. He earned his law degree at New York University after undergraduate work at the University of Virginia.
A resident of Scotch Plains for over 25 years, Bill is survived by his wife Judy and children Robert and Allison who shared his love of the theater, art and music. Spring 2015
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Board of Governors and Staff
The dedicated Board of Governors serve as ambassadors for SOPAC in the community. They donate countless hours guiding and leading SOPAC. We gratefully acknowledge their dedicated service. SOPAC Board of Governors Anthony Leitner Chair Carolyn Mason Vice-Chair John Zoubek Treasurer Paul Bartick Secretary
Dan Arrighi Edward E. Ayuso II Lisa E. Davis Omari Frazier Diana Hart Milwood Hobbs, Jr.
Stuart Litwin Edward Reagoso Robert Sandow Leo Sender David Stone
SOPAC Staff
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Karlyn Volk Johanna L. Wright Michael Zavada Jon Ziefert Alex Torpey South Orange Village President
Steve Schnall South Orange Village Trustee Liaison Bob Zuckerman South Orange Village Center Alliance Liaison
Mark Packer Executive Director
Linda Beard Director of Community Engagement
Dee Billia Director of External Relations
Chris Figueiredo Director of Operations
Beth Fylstra Chief Financial Officer
Vivian C.R. James Director of Development
Raf Ricci Director of Production
Mary Whithed Director of Audience Services
Laura Bessey Special Events and Rentals Manager
Kellen Belt Special Event Associate
Sheila Corbin Daniels Head Box Office Representative
AnnMarie Gervasio Volunteer and Performances Manager
Kate Murphy Marketing Intern
Samone Rowe Patron Information and Concessions Manager
Matthew Silvay Production Manager
Kristin Svorinic Marketing Manager and Gallery Coordinator
Valerie White Bookkeeper and Office Manager
Mei Zheng Head House Manager
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SOPACNOW
New Sponsor Tops Off Your Evening You may have noticed a new logo on our SOPAC Theatre Cups, Ricalton’s Village Tavern. SOPAC is proud to count Ricalton’s as one of our newest sponsors. Opening last June, Ricalton’s has quickly risen to become one of the top dining spots in South Orange and was most recently named a “New & Notable” restaurant by
New Jersey Monthly magazine in its annual “Best New Restaurants” issue in February. Conveniently located to SOPAC, just across from the train station, Ricalton’s is perfect for pre-performance dining and open late enough for a night cap after a show. “A partnership with SOPAC just makes sense. We are working together to make
South Orange a vibrant destination for locals and visitors,” said Ricalton’s co-owner Tom McLaughlin, who is offering discounts to SOPAC patrons with ticket stubs or SOPAC drink cups with the Ricalton’s Logo on performance nights. So if you haven’t been to Ricalton’s, be sure to stop in on your next visit to SOPAC.
The Loft at SOPAC You may have been to a Blues in the Loft or Jazz in the Loft concert recently. The series has been growing this year, and now regularly sells out. The crowd loves the New York City-style lounge that boasts both fabulous talent and an impeccable sound experience. Midtown Direct Rep’s staged readings are another popular series. The Broadwaycaliber performers that comprise MDR’s roster of actors provide a theater experience that is top-notch in every way. Past performers include Olympia Dukakis, Norbert Leo Butz, Christine Ebersole and more! Audiences love the Q&A sessions afterward that give real insight into the playwriting process. La Cinémathèque Film Club provides an opportunity for audiences to see great foreign films and then discuss them with a group of fellow film aficionados.
SOPACNOW
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The Perfect Place For Your Special Event! What you may not know is that the Loft is available to rent for your special occasion, business meeting, seminar, film screening and much more. The Loft has played host to families celebrating births, milestone occasions, renewing vows and bar and bat mitzvahs. A wonderful couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a “sock
hop dance,” and just this past Valentine’s day there was a marriage proposal during a Loft concert! If you would like to find out more about renting the Loft for your event please contact Rentals Manager Laura Bessey at (973) 382-1024. Spring 2015
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2014 Donors $10,000 and up W. Dan Arrighi and Sam Joseph Edward E. Ayuso II Chubb Corporation
South Orange Performing Arts
Mark and Carolyn Mason
Lois Guttadora
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Stuart Deutsch and Holly Gauthier
Patrick Morrissy and Jean Campbell
Iris Family Fund
Robert Sandow and Joyce Isabelle
F.M. Kirby Foundation
South Orange Frame Shop*
Anthony and Jennifer Leitner
Udi and Janet Toledano
Stuart and Laura Litwin
Karlyn Volk
New Jersey State Council on the Arts
Wells Fargo John and Roseanna Zoubek
Orange Orphan Society Wilshire Grand Hotel*
$100-$999
$5,000 to $9,999
Elizabeth and Michael Aaron
John and Holly Benge
Ami Brabson and Andre Braugher
Sidney Seligman and Carol Lukoff Clinton Shultz
Danielle and Barry Haffner
Bryna Silver
Kenneth Harmonay
Douglas and Carol Simon
Hugh and Leslie Heller
Richard and Alyson Slutzky
Linda Higgins
Mary Ann Smith
Francis and Mary Joan Murphy
Joel Solow
Harriet Kaufman
Blanche Taliaferro
Edward Kirtman and Risa Schifter
Dr. and Mrs. Jules Titelbaum Lynne Whitman
Brian and Kathy Kronick
Jeanne and Michael Zavada
Howard Holtz and Laura Prato
$50-$99
Jeff Lind Jane and Emelia Lisa-Accardi
Anonymous
Ida and Gabe Loubier
David Ascher
Jerome and Susan McElroy
Investors Bank Foundation
Peggy and Alan Barnett
Owen and Patricia McNany
The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation
Edward and Barbara Becker
John and Lauren McPartland
Ira Berkowitz
Richard Miller
Dee Billia
Susan Morganstein
Mary Brennan
Novartis
Scott and Amy Brody
Barry and Bobbi Ostrowsky
Harvey and Joan Bucholtz
Roger and Kathy Paschke
Raymond Bulley
Budd Mishkin and Peri Smilow
Charlotte Chefitz
Steven and Michelle Powell
Frederick and Margery Cohen
Marcia Pundyk
Lisa E. Davis
Joshua Rednik
Etta Rudolf Denk
Allan Rosenberg
Paul and Catherine Desjardins
Nancy and Marc Rosenwasser
Sanford and Zella Felzenberg
Stephen and Laura Sacks
Joy and Manuel Fernandes
William Schatten
Milwood and Kimberly Hobbs
Christopher Filik
David and Norma Schechner
Meg Jacobs
Kristina Fischer
Bill and Judy Lasher
Matt and Jennifer Glass
Rachel Schwarz and Marc Schiffman
Eleanor Lazarus
Jed Goldstein
PNC Bank Ricalton’s Village Tavern Leo and Barbara Sender Fannie and Morris Sklaw Foundation
$1,000-$4,999 Christopher and Katy Burns Samuel M. Convissor Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Genova Burns, Attorneys at Law*
Richard and Ellen Goldstein Spring 2015
Irene Barutis Richard and Treasure Cohen
Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation
Peter Shapiro and Bryna Linett
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from our many contributors.
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Cokorinos Dorothy Gabrielson Gary Godwin Bob and Beth Kenselaar Kathleen S. Langner J. Launay Helene Leone Trevor Lewis-Jones Beverly Luehs Seth Manjos Dick McAdams James McIntosh Eugene McLoughlin Mary Chris Rospond David and Debra Rubin Barbara Salz and Travis Gering David Schabacker Paul Schottland Elizabeth Taylor
Jerome and Linda Schultz
Kim Vivenzio
Sharon and James Schwarz
Dorothy Warner
www.SOPACnow.org
SOPACNOW
Center’s programs are made possible by generous support We extend our sincere thanks to all our donors. David Williams Suzanne Wolsten
Elsie Kopcha and Howard Wasserman
Nusha Wyner
Robert Kriete
Kim Yousey
William Kuchler
Stephen Zelkowicz
James Kung Mary Lacey
$25-$49
Howard Holtz and Laura Prato
Christopher Adams Audre and Ronald Aronowitz Bruce Balbach
Loren Lieberthal
Kathleen Beard
Thomas Loughlin
A. Bentley
Randall Macblane
Kristen Peck Butcher John Culbertson Margaret Delehanty Susan Devlin
Merck Foundation Linda Gleason Pamela Greene Jeffrey Greenberg Lee Grissom Annette Hicks Amy Hirsch Kathleen Hoffman Carol Holland
Your support will help keep SOPAC functioning in tip-top condition! n
Will McGrath Leon McNair Richard Miller
n
A new cyclorama
n
A backup soundweb machine
n
Portable bars
n
Assisted Listening Device
Sheila Moses Nick Murphy
system upgrade
John O’Neil Anthony Plisko
n
Stanchions and Ropes
n
Sign stands, picture frames
n
Equipment for video feed to lobby
n
Subsidized office space
n
Funding for internships in
Randolph Pregibon Blue Unity Press Malgorzata Roslanowska Helene De Rose Stephen Sekel Joseph Szmul Steven Thibodeau
Kevin Holt
Beth Tractenberg and Stephen Seidel
Patricia Hood
Madeline Vogel
Linda Hrevnack
Martha Washington
Julian Keenan
Laurie Wertalik Novalyn Winfield
A new projector for the mainstage with 16:9 aspect screen
Julie Mazer
Ed Melee
Charles Dombroski
Charlotte Eulette
Keeping our equipment up-to-date and replacing worn out items is an ongoing challenge. Please consider a donation to fund some of the items that are on our wish list!
Leslie McCafferty
Robert Cunningham
Wendy Edwards
Lenny Levin Rachel Liberman
Jeannie Barnett
Earle Eaton
Elliott Lee
2015 Wish List
marketing and development List current as of March 1, 2015 *denotes in-kind donation SOPACNOW is a publication of South Orange Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079 Phone number: (973) 313-2787
SOPACNOW
www.SOPACnow.org
Website: www.SOPACnow.org
Spring 2015
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit 403 Bellmawr NJ One SOPAC Way South Orange, NJ 07079
Jerseyarts.com
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS WINNER South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) Favorite Small Performing Arts Center
SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
SOPACNOW
spring 2015
A publication of South Orange Performing Arts Center
w
coming up at SOPAC
Regina Belle
FRI, MAY 29 at 8PM
The Bacon Brothers
THU, JUNE 25 at 7:30PM
Josh Ritter
SUN, MAY 31 at 7:30PM